Archer fined but available for third Test

Both teams are living in “bio-secure bubble” sites at Old Trafford, the venue for the final two matches of the series. Archer broke the rules by going home to Hove on Monday following England’s four-wicket loss in the first Test at Southampton last week.

He was then left out of the ongoing second Test that started Thursday, with Archer self-isolating in a hotel room for five days at the ground. But following a disciplinary hearing on Friday, the Barbados-born quick has been fined an “undisclosed amount”.

Archer also received an official written warning, following a hearing chaired by ECB managing director Ashley Giles, at which his “impeccable record” was taken into account. The paceman’s agent and a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PFA) also attended the hearing.

Archer will now undergo two COVID-19 tests, which have to produce negative results, before his self-isolation period is lifted. An ECB statement said Archer is due to rejoin the squad on Tuesday -- three days before the start of the third Test.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes said Jofra Archer needs full support of his teammates. “We really need to be there to support him right now. Obviously, he is a big talking point and he is by himself because of everything else going on at the moment,” Stokes was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“It is about making sure that it doesn’t feel like he is by himself. The worst thing we could do right now as a team is just leave him and see him in five or six days’ time,” he added.